U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut announced that he’s supporting President Barack Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran. He’ll be voting against a resolution in Congress that would have blocked the deal.
“It was a difficult decision and one of conscience,” said Blumenthal. “I’m proud of the thought and attention to detail devoted to this decision.”
Blumenthal said he knows he will disappoint some people, but is satisfied he can live with his decision.
“My paramount goals have been to prevent a nuclear armed Iran and do so by peaceful means,” Blumenthal said. “This agreement reflects the best path available now to prevent a nuclear armed Iran using diplomacy, not other means.”
He said he made the decision in the last few weeks. Blumenthal spoke to diplomatic and military experts and officials, scientific advisers, academics, friends, Israelis, and other officials from around the globe and many people in the state of Connecticut to come to his decision. He did not mention whether he spoke to Iranian-Americans or the people of Iran.
Obama had promised to veto any resolution blocking the deal, which means two thirds of both houses of Congress would have needed to vote to oppose the deal. Obama had secured the 34 votes in the Senate that he would need to uphold his veto last week. Blumenthal is one of three undecided senators that have announced their support for the deal today. That brings supporters of the Iran deal to 41 votes.
Democratic U.S. Sens. Chris Murphy of Connecticut and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York also support the agreement, while Sen. Chuck Schumer, also of New York, is opposing it.